European Kettlebell Championship is underway in Chișinău
The Republic of Moldova recently hosted another significant sporting event: the European Kettlebell Championship. The competition took place at the Chisinau Arena and welcomed 257 athletes from 16 different countries. Our nation was represented by 34 athletes, many of whom won medals during the first two days of the tournament.
One of the champions is Valeriu Ciubotaru.
"Compared to my last competitions, this one was better, but around the 8-10 minute mark, I started to feel a little fatigue. Those who train with small dumbbells know what that feels like. It was a struggle," said Valeriu Ciubotaru.
In kettlebell lifting, athletes from various countries compete simultaneously, lifting small dumbbells for 10, 12, 30, or even 60 minutes. The winner is determined by the number of lifts performed.
"It is a sport that combines endurance and resilience. It's enjoyable and can be practised by anyone, whether a child or an adult, making it suitable for all ages, including women," said another athlete, Victor Turtureanu.
Among the Moldovan champions are Nicolae Frangu, Mihail Muntean, Mihail Suprovici, and Sergiu Antonciuc. In the special-needs category, gold medals were awarded to Igor Bouroş, Denis Raiul, Sergiu Borş, Oleg Răileanu, and Mihail Ţurcan.
"This sport can be practised for a healthy lifestyle and proper physical training, but it can also be pursued competitively," said Dumitru Prodan, president of the Federation of Sports for People with Locomotor Disabilities.
This year, the Republic of Moldova also hosted other major competitions, including the European Weightlifting Championship, the European Beach Rugby Championship, and the European Youth Judo Championship "under 23."
